Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| étudiant | /e.ty.djɑ̃/ | masculine |
| élève | /e.lɛv/ | feminine, masculine |
The term used for a student depends on the level of education they are attending. While both étudiant and élève translate to 'student', they are not interchangeable in most contexts.
Which one should you use?
Use étudiant specifically for students in higher education, such as those at a university. In contrast, use élève for students in primary or secondary school (K-12).
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form of étudiant is étudiant, and its feminine form is étudiante. The word élève is used for both masculine and feminine subjects. Furthermore, élève remains the same in both its singular and plural forms. Only the article preceding it changes, such as l'élève versus les élèves.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.ty.djɑ̃/
When do people say it?
The phrase bon élève is a common way to describe a student who is hardworking or academically successful.
Did you know?
- The word élève comes from the verb élever, which means 'to raise' or 'to bring up'. This implies that a student is someone who is being raised or elevated by their teacher.
- In France, the term élève is also used for people in specialized professional training schools, such as élève-officier for a cadet in a military academy.
- The phrase bon élève can be used sarcastically to describe an adult who follows the rules too strictly or blindly obeys authority.
Examples in context
- Tu es un étudiant.You are a student.This sentence uses étudiant to identify someone as a student.Tatoeba #1865755 by nimfeo, translation #1163562 by cntrational
- Es-tu élève, ici ?Are you a student here?This sentence uses élève to ask if someone is a student in a specific location.Tatoeba #3640108 by sacredceltic, translation #3636354 by CK
- John est bon élève.John is a good student.This sentence uses élève to describe a student who is successful in their studies.Tatoeba #5367119 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #52725 by CN
- Je suis étudiant(e) à l'université.I am a student at the university.
- J'ai rencontré un étudiant intéressant aujourd'hui.I met an interesting student today.
- Les étudiants étaient ravis de la sortie scolaire.The students were thrilled about the field trip.
- 449 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa meet at a university cafe.
- GabrielSalut ! Tu es étudiant ici ?Hi! Are you a student here?
- LéaOui, je suis en première année.Yes, I am in my first year.
- GabrielMoi aussi, je suis un nouvel étudiant.Me too, I am a new student.
- LéaEnchantée, Gabriel !Nice to meet you, Gabriel!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “student” translations and entries étudiant, élève, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries élève, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
